The Royal Navy is looking first for uncrewed systems that supplement the Queen Elizabeth-class carrier air group's existing anti-submarine and fast-jet capabilities. Drones can support Merlin helicopters and F-35Bs without immediately displacing either type. That approach can appear unambitious, but it reduces organizational and technical risk. Integrating support roles first allows crews to learn how drones fit aboard ship before expanding their responsibilities.
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The Royal Navy's incremental path to a mixed air group
Royal Navy experiments initially use drones to extend Merlin and F-35 roles, building operational experience before assigning entirely new missions.